Have you started planning the Thanksgiving meal yet? Fall is definitely in the air, and both of these recipes will compliment your holiday table beautifully. The pear chutney is an aromatic delight, and a perfect pairing for your turkey, no matter how you prepare it. And for dessert, I suggest this scrumptious pumpkin Bundt cake with caramel drizzle. It’s sure to be a crowd pleaser.

Bake for around 50 minutes at 350 degrees. Test it with a wooden pick to see if it comes out clean. Invert cake onto a cooling rack.

For the Caramel Drizzle:

Heat milk and brown sugar in a medium sauce pan and bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring constantly. Reduce heat and simmer for 8 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove from stove and add butter and vanilla. Cool for five minutes and drizzle over cooled cake.

Amy Poore is a new mom, a wife and a foodie. To see more of Amy's delicious recipes, visit her blog, Poore Amy, at www.pooreamy.com

If you are anything like me, you like to plan out your week so you can be best efficient with your time and money. However, this does not always happen, especially when one needs to make a large meal for many guests. So, this list of ingredients was put together to help you manage your time well over the Thanksgiving week.

The meal:

Roast turkey

Homemade dressing

Cranberry sauce

Baked sweet potatoes

Green bean casserole

Cornbread or brown and serve rolls

Pickle and raw veggie tray

Pumpkin pie

Apple crisp

The Check-Your-Pantry List (buy if necessary):

• Flour, about 4 cups

• Sugar, about 2 cups

• Brown sugar, 2-3 cups

• Honey, 1 cup and maybe a little more

• Thyme, dried, around 3 tsp

• Lemon-pepper seasoning, around 2 tsp

• Cooking oil, plain, a few tablespoons

• Cooking spray

• Pumpkin pie spice around 1 1/2 tsp

• Salt and pepper

• Cornmeal, 1 cup (if you’re making cornbread)

• Baking powder, around 4 tsp (for cornbread)

• Cinnamon, around 1 tsp

• Oatmeal, around 1 cup

• Vegetable or chicken bouillon, 4-5 tsp

Groceries:

• Frozen Turkey, 10-12 lbs

• Onions, around 3 lbs

• Celery, 1 large bunch

• Carrots, 1 lb

• Garlic, 1 head, or 2 if you’re keen on it

• French or Italian bread, sliced, 1 loaf

• Eggs (you’ll need 7)

• Butter, 1 lb

• Cranberries, fresh, 2 bags

• Sweet potatoes, large fresh, 1/2 = one serving, so as many as you need

• Potatoes, large baking, if desired

• Green beans, regular cut frozen, 2 one-pound packages

• Mushrooms, 1 pound fresh or 2 8-oz cans

• Milk, 1 quart

• French fried onion rings, 1 can

• Pumpkin, 1 15-oz can (plain pumpkin, not pie filling)

• Prepared frozen pie crust (if you’re not making your own or lack a pie plate)

If you are anything like me, you like to plan out your week so you can be best efficient with your time and money. However, this does not always happen, especially when one needs to make a large meal for many guests. So, this list of ingredients was put together to help you manage your time well over the Thanksgiving week.

The meal:

Roast turkey

Homemade dressing

Cranberry sauce

Baked sweet potatoes

Green bean casserole

Cornbread or brown and serve rolls

Pickle and raw veggie tray

Pumpkin pie

Apple crisp

The Check-Your-Pantry List (buy if necessary):

• Flour, about 4 cups

• Sugar, about 2 cups

• Brown sugar, 2-3 cups

• Honey, 1 cup and maybe a little more

• Thyme, dried, around 3 tsp

• Lemon-pepper seasoning, around 2 tsp

• Cooking oil, plain, a few tablespoons

• Cooking spray

• Pumpkin pie spice around 1 1/2 tsp

• Salt and pepper

• Cornmeal, 1 cup (if you’re making cornbread)

• Baking powder, around 4 tsp (for cornbread)

• Cinnamon, around 1 tsp

• Oatmeal, around 1 cup

• Vegetable or chicken bouillon, 4-5 tsp

Groceries:

• Frozen Turkey, 10-12 lbs

• Onions, around 3 lbs

• Celery, 1 large bunch

• Carrots, 1 lb

• Garlic, 1 head, or 2 if you’re keen on it

• French or Italian bread, sliced, 1 loaf

• Eggs (you’ll need 7)

• Butter, 1 lb

• Cranberries, fresh, 2 bags

• Sweet potatoes, large fresh, 1/2 = one serving, so as many as you need

• Potatoes, large baking, if desired

• Green beans, regular cut frozen, 2 one-pound packages

• Mushrooms, 1 pound fresh or 2 8-oz cans

• Milk, 1 quart

• French fried onion rings, 1 can

• Pumpkin, 1 15-oz can (plain pumpkin, not pie filling)

• Prepared frozen pie crust (if you’re not making your own or lack a pie plate)

Anyone need some new dishes to enjoy at this year’s Thanksgiving dinner? Both of these dishes are perfect for the occasion. The Pecan Stuffed Acorn Squash looks gorgeous, but it’s fairly simple to make and it takes just a few ingredients. And the Pear Cake offers a delicious alternative to the traditional Thanksgiving desserts (though certainly include them, too).

There are some amazing pumpkin spiced recipes out there, but with so many options, it is hard to find the best ones. So we put together a list of the top 5 pumpkin spiced foods in Alabama. Mmmm! Enjoy!

1.) Maple Pumpkin Cupcake, Twist Cupcakes, Mobile

These cupcakes are to die for, truly. They would go perfect with any fall birthday party or even as desserts for Halloween or Thanksgiving.

2.) Gingersnap Pumpkin Pie, Pie Lab, Greensboro

If you like pumpkin pie, you will not find a better one than at the Pie Lab. Get there early because they go fast.

3.) Pumpkin Cheesecake, Liger’s Bakery, Montgomery

Pumpkin cheesecake is this amazing combination of two really great things. Give Liger’s Bakery’s pumpkin cheesecake a try. It will not disappoint.

4.) Pumpkin Spiced Latte Cupcake, Gigi’s, Tuscaloosa

If you are in town for a game, head over to Gigi’s to try this cupcake flavor. In fact, order a bunch for game day parties. Your guests will be thankful.

If your idea of a perfect fall evening involves hanging out in the backyard with friends and family cheering on your favorite teams and enjoying tasty treats, this is a recipe just for you. Did you know that you can make S’mores at home, without a campfire? Yep, you can. You can make them in a skillet! Enjoy this recipe – it is always a huge hit.

Swirl butter around the bottom and sides of an 8 inch iron skillet.Evenly spread chocolate chips in the bottom of skillet.Arrange marshmallow halves on top of chocolate chips (cut side down).Place on middle rack and back 6-10 minutes or until the tops of marshmallows are browned.Let sit for five minutes; serve immediately with graham crackers.

*Caution - skillet and dip will be hot.

Amy Poore is a new mom, a wife and a foodie. To see more of Amy's delicious recipes, visit her blog, Poore Amy, at www.pooreamy.com.

Cooking with venison (deer meat) can be challenging at first. Proper tenderizing and seasonings need to be added to enhance the flavor and cut down on the "gamey" taste that comes along with wild game. We first started cooking with venison as a way to cut costs at the grocery store meat department when prices started to skyrocket. I also found that I liked the fact that the meat was all natural, with no steroids or other additives. The following five recipes have become family favorites over the years.

Slow Cooker Venison Roast

3 pounds boneless venison roast

1 large onion, sliced

1 tablespoon soy sauce

2 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

2 tablespoon garlic powder

1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

1 (1 ounce) package dry onion soup mix

1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed cream of mushroom soup

½ cup Red Wine

Directions

Put cleaned meat in slow cooker and cover with onion. Sprinkle with soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, and pepper. In a small bowl combine the soup mix and the soup; mix and pour mixture over venison. Add red wine after cooking for two hours. Cook on Low setting for 6 hours. Instead of adding carrots and potatoes to the roast, coat them with olive oil, season to taste, and roast them on a cooking sheet in the oven.

Cajun Sauce Piquante

2 lb. of venison strips

1/4 c. cooking oil

1/3 c. flour

1 lg. can tomato sauce

1 can tomato paste

1 pkg. fresh mushrooms, cleaned & sliced

4 ribs celery, chopped

1 green pepper, chopped

4 cloves garlic, chopped

3 or 4 onions, chopped

Parsley, chopped

1/2 c. white port wine

6 pack of 7-UP soda

Jalapeno pepper, chopped (to taste)

Salt & pepper

Directions:

Make roux with oil and flour, add chopped vegetables, and cook until tender. Add all other ingredients, using the 7-UP instead of water as the sauce is cooking. Cook 6 or 7 hours, in crock pot, adding meat after 3 hours, so that it will be tender but not overdone. Serve over noodles or rice.

Brunswick Stew

3 lb. deer meat chunks (best to chop a roast into cubes)

1 cup chicken broth

2 cans of corn

½ pound dry lima beans, cooked and mashed

2 large cans of tomatoes or tomato juice

1 cup ketchup

¼ cup Tabasco sauce

2 red peppers

Black pepper to taste

2 tbsp vinegar

Salt to taste

1 onion, chopped fine

Carrots

Potatoes

Directions

Brown meat in skillet, don't overcook. Add chicken broth. Mix all other ingredients together in large pot. Cook 3-5 hours on stovetop, checking meat often to make sure you don't overcook it.

Venison Chili Mac

3 lbs. ground deer meat

2 med. onions, chopped

2 fresh tomatoes, chopped

2 16 oz. Cans tomato sauce

1 can tomato puree

1 tsp. honey

2 tsp. mustard

1/2 c. ketchup

1 can beer

2 cans red kidney beans, drained

2 packs chili seasoning

2 tsp. chili powder

Pepper to taste

Elbow macaroni

Directions

In large skillet, brown deer, 1 chopped onion, 1 pack of chili seasoning, and 1/2 can tomato sauce. Pepper to taste. Put in large pot or crock pot, and stir in chopped onion, chopped tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato puree, honey, mustard, catsup, beer, beans, chili seasoning, chili powder, and pepper. Bring to a boil; reduce heat, simmer covered for around 1 hour or to desired consistency. If using the crock pot, set on low and cook for 6 hours. Stir occasionally. Add cooked macaroni just before serving. Great served with cornbread.

These are just a few of my family's favorites. One of the best ways to find out which way you like your venison is by trial and error. However, there are a few tips that novice venison cooks need to know. Do not overcook venison. Venison is leaner than beef; therefore, it requires extra tenderizing prior to cooking. Spices are your friends. Without seasoning, venison meat will have an aftertaste and taste "gamey." Try some of your favorite beef or chicken recipes using venison. This way you know your family likes the beef version, by swapping out the beef for venison, see if your family still loves the dish. Using venison is a great way to save on the grocery bill. I know I have saved a lot of money and removed harmful food additives at the same time. So, do not be afraid to experiment and have fun cooking.

Whether you’re attending a tailgating party on the Quad or hosting a backyard gathering at home, this is a recipe that is sure to please any football fan. The Mini Pimento Cheese Ball Bites are perfect for tailgate gatherings, and the prep time is super quick. You can make the pimento cheese well ahead of time.

Bon appétit!

Mini Pimento Cheese Ball Bites

8 ounces cream cheese, room temperature

1/4 cup mayonnaise

1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard

1/2 teaspoon garlic salt

1/4 teaspoon onion powder

1/4 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper

8 ounces extra-sharp cheddar cheese, freshly grated

1 (4-ounce) jar diced pimentos, drained

18 ounces bacon, cooked until crisp and finely diced

1 1/2 cups pecans, toasted and finely chopped

1 jalapeños, minced (seeds & membranes removed)

Pretzel sticks

Start by making the pimento cheese ahead of time.

With a hand mixer, mix the cream cheese until smooth, add in mayonnaise and continue to beat until it's all incorporated and smooth.

In my mind, everybody’s got a little bit of a sweet tooth. Whether its cake, ice cream, pies, or something else, we’ve all got that one sweet treat that we wouldn’t mind having to end a memorable dinner. In Tuscaloosa, desserts are as much of a bragging right as barbecue. So if you’re visiting us to see the Tide roll, take note of these delectable treats!

That Cheesecake by Tammy Smith, Southern Ale House Just as the name indicates, That Cheesecake by Tammy Smith has people all over town talking. Currently available on the dessert menu at Southern Ale House and at the Tuscaloosa River Market sold by Ms. Tammy herself, this white chocolate cheesecake will remind you how perfect desserts can really be.

White Chocolate Bread Pudding, DePalma’s Italian CaféThe white chocolate bread pudding at DePalma’s is a Tuscaloosa classic. It’s the stuff dreams are made of, seriously. Rich, warm flavors with the savory sweetness of white chocolate and drizzled chocolate convince diners that bread pudding should be its own food group.

Strawberry Cake, Edgar’s Bakery and CaféDefying all boundaries of amazingness, Edgar’s strawberry cake is legendary. With strawberry-infused cake layers and a rich, refreshing strawberry cream cheese icing, it’s no wonder this cake is known across the state.

Chocolate Soufflé, The Side by Side RestaurantCalling all chocolate lovers to one of the most perfect desserts in town: Warm, rich chocolate flavors beautifully paired with delectable whipped cream remind us that dessert is always worth the calories. This chocolate soufflé is perfect after dinner or as a treat with a nice hot cup of coffee.

Beet Cremeaux, Epiphany Farm to Table New American CuisineIf you’re wanting something a little different in your dessert repertoire, Epiphany’s Beet Cremeaux is for you. The earthy flavors of the beet pairs magically with sweetened condensed milk and an espresso-based sauce topped with pistachios.

Dessert Sampler, Cypress InnIf you’re obsessed with desserts yet on the indecisive side, the Cypress Inn Dessert Sampler has you covered. Peanut butter pie, cheese pie, Mississippi mud cake, and whiskey bread pudding made with savory yeast rolls are a winning combination. Great to share with a sweetie, friends, or enjoy all on your own!

Kozy Kreamer, Kozy’s RestaurantProving that an adult beverage can serve as dessert, the Kozy Kreamer is a tasty end to dinner. Made with brandy, Kahlua, crème de cocoa, Bailey’s, and vanilla ice cream, this beverage is probably the most delicious way you can cool off during these hot summer nights.

Ahhh…tis the season of pumpkin spice in the coffee world! If you’re anything like me, fall brings on cravings for great coffee. In a town that runs on caffeine, Tuscaloosa locals have plenty to choose from in the coffee arena. Here are a few places to put on your radar this season, especially if you’re visiting Tuscaloosa for a weekend Bama game!

Nehemiah’s Coffee House

Since its opening in June 2012, Nehemiah’s has cultivated a sense of community among Forest Lake residents. Patrons will find the atmosphere inviting and cozy while also providing ample space for listening to live music, playing a board game, or sitting down for a cup of joe while reading the morning paper. Serving up Seattle’s Best coffee, I was pleased with the variety of beverages that are available, including the tasty peppermint white mocha that is sure to warm you up and make your taste buds do a happy dance.

Regular monthly events and drink specials can be found at www.facebook.com/nehemiahscoffeehouse and @NehemiahsCoffee on Twitter. Be sure to also check www.flbc.us/Nehemiahs for more information on the history of Nehemiah’s.

Heritage House Coffee & Tea

Many may know Heritage House as the first coffee house in Tuscaloosa with a history that began over 20 years ago. Now located off of Towncenter Boulevard in Northport, the shop provides ample space for relaxing, studying, or conducting a business meeting in the private conference room. Visitors can agree that the vast variety of flavored coffees offered sets Heritage House apart from others in Tuscaloosa. If coffee isn’t your thing, assorted green, black, and loose leaf teas are offered to relax yourself. My personal Heritage House recommendation is the Toffee Coffee latte that provides a sweet smooth texture with just the right amount of caffeine.

If you’re in the mood for authentic German breads and pastries, Edelweiss is sure to make you smile. Since 2007, the shop has provided a variety of European specialties to complement the various coffee drinks that are served up each day. If the large display case of pretzels, cakes, and pastries doesn’t catch your eye, classic German sandwiches and dishes will fill you up for breakfast and lunch. My personal favorite is the apple strudel garnished with powdered sugar and a dollop of whipped cream. Edelweiss is located in Temerson Square and open for breakfast and lunch daily.